Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2027 | Viewed by 10877

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Caifeng Lu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Disaster Impact and Intelligent Prevention in Civil Engineering, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: structural durability; low-carbon cementitious materials; utilization of solid waste resources; structural reinforcement and maintenance

Prof. Dr. Guanglin Yuan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: theory and technology for building protection; structural durability; engineering structure protection technology in mining subsidence areas; fire and seismic resistance of concrete structures

Dr. Qingsong Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Building Materials Engineering Laboratory, Department of Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
Interests: utilization of solid waste resource; Carbon capture, storage, and utilization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The demand for sustainable construction materials is growing rapidly, driven by the global need to reduce environmental impacts and enhance the longevity of built environments. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on sustainable building materials, with a focus on their microstructure, mechanical performance, and long-term durability. By exploring innovative approaches in material development, processing, and design, this Special Issue seeks to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the next generation of construction materials.

Sustainable construction materials are being developed to address a range of performance criteria, including strength, durability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Recent advancements in materials such as cement-based composites, geopolymer-based materials, and bio-based alternatives have shown promising improvements in key properties like shrinkage, water resistance, and thermal insulation. Moreover, these materials often incorporate industrial by-products and waste materials, which contribute to a circular economy and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.

In addition to material innovations, understanding the microstructural properties of these materials is essential for optimizing their mechanical performance and ensuring long-term durability. This Special Issue invites research papers and review articles that explore novel techniques for characterizing the microstructure of construction materials and their correlation with mechanical properties. Topics of interest include the effects of nanoscale additives, fibers, and mineral-based modifiers on material performance, as well as the development of new testing methods to assess durability under real-world conditions.

Furthermore, we are particularly interested in studies that investigate the environmental sustainability of construction materials, including life cycle assessments (LCA), embodied energy calculations, and performance in extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and freeze–thaw cycles). As the construction industry strives for a low-carbon future, these factors play a critical role in determining the overall sustainability and longevity of building materials.

This Special Issue seeks to bring together the latest research in material science, engineering, and environmental sustainability to provide a platform for developing innovative solutions for the future of construction. We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including civil, materials, and environmental engineering, as well as interdisciplinary studies that explore new avenues for enhancing the sustainability of the built environment.

Dr. Caifeng Lu
Prof. Dr. Guanglin Yuan
Dr. Qingsong Zhou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable materials
reinforcement and repair
microstructure
mechanical performance
long-term durability
cement-based composites
geopolymer materials
environmental impact
circular economy
life cycle assessment (LCA)

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1573 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Permeability Coefficient of Saturated Clay Modified by Fractal Theory and Poiseuille Theory

by Lu Guo, Xiaoyang Xin and Keqiang He

Materials 2026, 19(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010021 - 20 Dec 2025

Viewed by 301

Abstract

The permeability coefficient of saturated clay plays a crucial role in practical engineering applications. In this paper, based on the fractal geometry theory and combined with the relationship between the flowing water volume and non-flowing water volume in saturated clay, the theoretical formulas for the effective pore specific surface area and the effective void ratio of saturated clay are established. Based on the capillary seepage channel model of saturated clay, combined with Poiseuille’s law and the concept of equivalent hydraulic radius, the theoretical formula for the permeability coefficient of saturated clay is established. Finally, the physical parameters of the remolded clay samples are measured and substituted into the modified Kozeny–Carman equation and the equivalent capillary seepage equation of saturated clay before and after the modification. Through the comparative analysis of the above theoretical values and the measured values of indoor seepage tests, it is found that the saturated clay seepage equation established in this paper is more suitable for dense saturated clay with relatively small pores. It has the characteristics of higher calculation accuracy and easier acquisition of basic parameters. The research results provide important references for practical engineering and the study of saturated clay seepage theory, and have broad prospects for practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3143 KB

Open AccessArticle

Young’s Modulus Variation of the Deformable Cement Adhesives Under Thermal Action in LRHS

by Jacek Karpiesiuk and Tadeusz Chyzy

Materials 2025, 18(23), 5341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235341 - 27 Nov 2025

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Young’s modulus (E), one of the many material properties, changes in response to thermal actions. The magnitude of these changes also depends on the material used. This is particularly important when the materials used are components of lightweight radiant heating systems (LRHSs) without screeds. Adhesives or adhesive composites take over the role of the screed in LRHSs. The adhesives, which directly connect the thermal insulation layer and the floor, are responsible for the proper functioning of the heated floor. Therefore, changes in their Young’s modulus cause a loss of layer integrity and ultimately delamination of the floor. Thus, research was conducted on the variation of the Young’s modulus of deformable cement adhesive mortars, specifically types C2S1 and C2S2, used in LRHSs under thermal actions. The deformation values of adhesive mortar samples were measured in a thermal chamber, subjected to compressive strength tests, at temperatures from 30 °C to 50 °C. Deformation measurements of heated samples were performed using the extensometer technique. The measurement results were subjected to mathematical analysis using polynomial regression based on the least squares method and the “Madrid parabola” formulas. After analysis, it was assumed that the Young’s modulus E for the deformable C2S1 cement adhesive, depending on the thermal action taken in the study, falls within the range of 4600 MPa to 5800 MPa when the temperature is varied from 30 °C to 50 °C. Simultaneously, the Young’s modulus E remains constant over these temperatures, at 2300 MPa for the C2S2 adhesive. Knowledge of the Young’s modulus and other strength parameters of adhesive mortars connecting layers of lightweight heated floors or other partitions, subjected to temperature can directly impact their durability. This data can be used to analyse the performance of LRHSs and numerical calculation techniques for various building partitions, such as stairs, balconies, and terraces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3741 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Performance Evaluation of Solid–Liquid Two-Component Coatings for Airport Cement Pavement Focused on Texture Reconstruction

by Ming Wang, Shuaituan Tian, Lingyun Zou, Mingchen Li, Jinlin Huang and Junyan Zhi

Materials 2025, 18(22), 5171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225171 - 14 Nov 2025

Viewed by 597

Abstract

Pavement texture is a crucial factor influencing both skid resistance and durability. This study aims to investigate the impact of texture reconstruction on pavement performance, which holds significant scientific value for enhancing road safety and durability. The research focuses on the reconstruction of airport cement pavement textures through the design of seven solid–liquid, two-component coating formulations, comprising three types of coatings: emulsion coating (P), waterborne epoxy coating (E), and water-based coating (W). Laser texture scanning technology was employed to identify the texture characteristics, which, combined with the British pendulum test, enabled a comprehensive analysis of skid resistance. Additionally, the coating–concrete interfacial strength and frost resistance were evaluated through pull-out tests, flexural strength tests, and freeze–thaw cycle tests. The results demonstrated that, compared to uncoated concrete, the mean profile depth (MPD) of the P, E, and W coatings increased by 43.4%, 34.7%, and 21.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the peak band of the slope spectrum density (SSD) shifted from a range greater than 1 mm to approximately 0.5 mm following coating application. The British pendulum number (BPN) increased by 25%, 20%, and 15% for the P, E and W coatings, demonstrating a strong correlation with MPD (R² = 0.95). These results indicate that the coated surface texture exhibits superior properties, which explain the enhanced slip resistance from a textural perspective. Moreover, the interfacial strength between the coating and concrete initially increased and then decreased with increasing coating thickness. In comparison, the interfacial bonding strength of the E coating was significantly higher than that of the P and W coatings. Furthermore, compared to the P and W coatings, the flexural bond strength of the E coating increased by 7% and 74%, respectively. After undergoing the freeze–thaw cycle, the E coating exhibited the best freeze resistance, while the W coating exhibited the poorest performance. In summary, the P coating excelled in texture reconstruction, while the E coating provided superior bonding and freeze resistance. This paper presents a novel approach to the development of coating materials for use on airport pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2604 KB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Temperature Performance Enhancement of Warm Mix Asphalt Binders Using SBS and Sasobit: Towards Durable and Green Pavements

by Xuemao Feng, Mingchen Li, Yifu Meng, Jianwei Sheng, Yining Zhang and Liping Liu

Materials 2025, 18(20), 4756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204756 - 17 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 704

Abstract

With growing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability in highway construction, the high mixing and compaction temperatures of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt have raised concerns regarding energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Sasobit, a warm-mix additive with a melting point of 99 °C, effectively reduces asphalt viscosity and construction temperatures while enhancing high-temperature performance; however, it may adversely affect low-temperature crack resistance. To address this challenge, this study developed low-dosage Sasobit–SBS composite asphalt incorporating aromatic oil and crumb rubber to reduce production temperatures while maintaining performance. Evaluations on binder properties and mixture performance showed that Sasobit effectively lowers mixing temperatures and preserves rutting resistance, while external modifiers, especially crumb rubber, significantly enhance low-temperature crack resistance (by 24%) and fatigue life (by 50%). Moreover, the crumb rubber formulation reduced production costs by 11% compared to conventional SBS asphalt, demonstrating a practical and cost-effective strategy for improving durability in cold regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 15114 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strength Characteristics of Straw-Containing Cemented Tailings Backfill Under Different Strain Rates

by Zeyu Li, Xiuzhi Shi, Xin Chen, Jinzhong Zhang, Wenyang Wang and Xiaoyuan Li

Materials 2025, 18(17), 4193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174193 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 946

Abstract

The frequent blasting in underground mines results in stress waves of different intensities, which is one of the main factors leading to backfill collapse. Improving the strength of backfill is an effective way to reduce the backfill damage. In this study, rice straw fiber and graded tailings were used as raw materials to prepare rice straw fiber-reinforced cemented tailings backfill (RSCTB). An orthogonal experimental design was employed to perform unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, diffusivity measurements, and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests. The results showed that straw fibers slightly reduce slurry fluidity. The UCS of RSCTB at a specific mix ratio was more than 50% higher than that of cemented tailings backfill (CTB) without rice straw. The dynamic unconfined compressive strength (DUCS) of RSCTB increased linearly at different strain rates. The effect of rice straw fibers on the UCS and DUCS was much smaller than that of cement content and solid mass concentration. Excessively long and abundant straw fibers are not conducive to improving the long-term impact resistance of RSCTB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6894 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Study on the Influence and Performance of Nano SiO₂ on Solid Waste Grouting Material

by Huifang Zhang, Lei Wang, Jie Chen, Haiyang Chen, Wei Wu, Jinzhu Li, Henan Lu, Dongxiao Hu and Hongliang Huang

Materials 2025, 18(17), 4110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174110 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 960

Abstract

As a key connection technology in prefabricated buildings, offshore wind power, and bridge engineering, the performance and environmental sustainability of grouted sleeve connections are essential for the long-term development of civil infrastructure. To address the environmental burden of conventional high-strength cement-based grouts, an eco-friendly sleeve grouting material incorporating industrial solid waste was developed. In this study, silica fume (15%) and fly ash (5%) were employed as supplementary cementitious materials, while nanosilica (NS) was introduced to enhance the material properties. Mechanical testing, microstructural characterization, and half-grouted sleeve uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to systematically evaluate the effect of NS content on grout performance. Results indicate that the incorporation of NS significantly accelerates the hydration of silica fume and fly ash. At an optimal dosage of 0.4%, the 28-day compressive strength reached 105.5 MPa, representing a 37.9% increase compared with the control group without NS. In sleeve tensile tests, specimens with NS exhibited reinforcement necking failure, and the load–displacement response closely aligned with the stress–strain behavior of the reinforcement. A linear relationship was observed between sleeve wall strain and reinforcement stress, confirming the cooperative load-bearing behavior between the grout and the sleeve. These findings provide theoretical guidance and technical support for developing high-strength, low-impact grouting materials suitable for sustainable engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 6601 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hemp Shive Granulometry on the Thermal Conductivity of Hemp–Lime Composites

by Wojciech Piątkiewicz, Piotr Narloch, Zuzanna Wólczyńska and Joanna Mańczak

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153458 - 23 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2691

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of hemp shive granulometry on the thermal conductivity and microstructure of hemp–lime composites. Three distinct particle size fractions—fine, medium, and coarse—were characterized using high-resolution image analysis to determine geometric parameters such as Feret diameters, circularity, and elongation. Composite mixtures with varying binder-to-shive and water-to-shive ratios were prepared and compacted at a consistent level to isolate the influence of aggregate granulometry on thermal performance. Results demonstrate a clear inverse relationship between particle size and thermal conductivity, with coarse fractions reducing thermal conductivity by up to 7.6% compared to fine fractions. Composite density was also affected, decreasing with increasing particle size, confirming the impact of granulometry on pore structure and packing density. However, binder content exhibited the most significant effect on thermal conductivity, with a 20% increase observed for higher binder-to-shive ratios irrespective of shive size. The study further establishes that a 15 g sample size (~2400 particles) provides sufficient statistical accuracy for granulometric characterization using image analysis. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing hemp–lime composites for enhanced thermal insulation performance, supporting sustainable construction practices by informing material formulation and processing parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 17847 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tensile Behavior and Failure Mechanism of Bamboo Fiber Bundle and Its Scrimber Under Different Strain Rates

by Kai Zhang, Haoran Xia, Lizhi Xu, Shengbo Zhou, Li Gao, Gong Zuo, Xiaotao Zhang and Quan Li

Materials 2025, 18(11), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112550 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

In this study, bamboo fiber bundles were directly extracted from raw bamboo material to fabricate reconstituted bamboo using the traditional hot-pressing method. The tensile behaviors and failure mechanisms of both the bamboo fiber bundle and its bamboo scrimber under various strain rates (quasi-static, 350/s, 950/s and 1700/s) were investigated by the SHTB system (split-Hopkinson tensile bar, high-speed camera and digital image correlation method). The results showed that the bamboo scrimber exhibited an obvious positive strain rate effect. The ultimate tensile strength of the bamboo scrimber at a strain rate of 1700/s was close to 200 MPa, but it was only about 80 MPa under quasi-static loading. This experimental result was further validated by the tensile behaviors of single bamboo fiber bundles at different strain rates (quasi-static, 300/s, 700/s and 1500/s). In addition, as the strain rate increased, the fracture surface of the bamboo changed from a linear shape to a discontinuous folded shape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 1343 KB

Open AccessReview

LCA of Cement with Alternative Additives: Pathways to Sustainable Production

by Natalia Generowicz-Caba and Joanna Kulczycka

Materials 2025, 18(13), 3057; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133057 - 27 Jun 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

The cement industry is responsible for approximately 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to the energy-intensive production of clinker. In response to growing environmental concerns and the pressure to decarbonize the construction sector, the composition of cement has been evolving toward more sustainable alternatives. This article presents a review of the recent literature and EPD reports concerning changes in cement composition and their environmental impact, as assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. This paper reviews the literature of recent LCA studies on cement with alternative materials. For a thorough analysis, VOSviewer_1.6.18 was used to find the research gap in this field. The companies’ EPD reports were analyzed to compare the most relevant information. The data that was extracted from the reports concerns carbon footprint, energy consumption, and system boundaries. The analysis reveals a clear trend toward reducing clinker content by incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, natural pozzolans, and limestone. These modifications significantly lower key LCA indicators, particularly Global Warming Potential (GWP). Despite the growing number of studies on individual SCMs, there is a lack of integrated reviews comparing their environmental performance within a standardized LCA framework. This study addresses this gap by systematically comparing the environmental profiles of various low-clinker cement types and highlighting the critical role of supplementary cementitious materials selection. The findings confirm that changes in cement formulation are not only occurring but are essential for reducing the environmental footprint of construction materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Sustainable Construction and Building Materials: Microstructure, Mechanical Performance, and Long-Term Durability

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI